Ucisk

Ucisk is a Polish noun that denotes the act or state of pressing or squeezing. It has two primary senses: a physical sense referring to mechanical compression, and a figurative sense referring to coercion or oppression exerted by a person or institution. The word stems from the verb uciskać (to press down, to squeeze) and has been part of Polish for many centuries.

In everyday language, ucisk describes physical pressure, such as a firm grasp or a squeezed object. In technical or scientific contexts, ciśnienie is the standard term for physical pressure, while ucisk is often used informally or to emphasize localized squeezing.

In social and political discourse, ucisk denotes oppression, coercion, or an unwelcome burden placed on individuals or groups by authorities, social norms, or economic systems. Forms can include political repression, economic pressure, legal restrictions, censorship, or cultural suppression. The concept is common in discussions of civil rights, human rights, and both historical and contemporary governance.

Related terms include nacisk (pressure or coercion, often more immediate or external) and opresja (oppression). In scientific contexts, ciśnienie remains the standard term for physical pressure.